MASERU, Lesotho 9/14/11 (PennWell) -- The government of Lesotho has awarded a US$79.9 million contract to Sinohydro of China to build Metolong Dam and a raw water pumping station.
The government recruited builders in 2010 to build Metolong on the Phuthitsana River near Metolong, Lesotho. The European Investment Bank approved a 140 million euro loan for the 282 million euro (US$397.3 million) project in 2010.
Sinohydro was chosen from among six bidders. Other competitors were CSC Metolong Dam JV, which had the next lowest bid of US$118.6 million; Concor-Hochtief Metolong JV; Patel Engineering; Group Five; and WBHO.
The dam is a Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply project that is to supply domestic and industrial water to six lowland districts of Lesotho. The government recruited consultants in 2009 for preparatory work at the project. U.S. consultant Paul J. Collins was named engineering manager.
